You’ve heard our names.  You’ve seen our faces.  But do you know why we are part of Stiggy’s Dogs?  Find out on My Story Monday. 

I have always believed that things happen and certain people enter our lives for a reason.   Sometimes we don’t understand that reason at first, but give it enough time, and your questions are answered.  For me it started as a part-time job at a local dog daycare.  I was a returning college student and only was seeking part-time employment so I could focus on my studies; I was changing careers from Animal Behaviorist and Trainer to Psychologist.  I knew I wanted to help veterans who were suffering from PTSD, but I thought that path would leave my animal career behind.  How wrong I was!

After having a conversation with a co-worker about his family’s non-profit organization, I looked up the organization and was in awe of what I read.  Founder Jennifer Petre’s words about her nephew, Ben, her passion for not only carrying on Ben’s legacy, her care for our nation’s veterans who suffer in silence, but also her passion for helping our homeless pets was so moving I immediately emailed her and offered my services as a Trainer and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for free.  I knew I needed to help with this wonderful organization!  Within a few minutes I received a reply with only these words: “Thank you Thank you Thank you!  Your email came at a much needed time”.  I had yet to realize the magnitude of Jennifer’s words; they were preparing to pair their first dog in N.C. and were in need of help before they left in a week’s time.

After several emails back and forth, Jennifer and I met at a local park to talk about what I could do for them.  We immediately hit it off and that was the start of an amazing friendship and working relationship!  From there we set up and tested our first dog, Tiger, and made plans to begin working with the new dogs they had gotten for the program, meeting weekly for training.  Always, I offered my time free, as the mission of the organization was always vastly more important than my receiving compensation (besides, that’s why I had a part-time job).

As we progressed, Jennifer and I began researching the needs and how to improve on what we were already doing.  Daily phone calls and emails, meetings outside of training sessions, etc., the need for me to do this full time became apparent, and by April of 2010 I was on board full-time as the Director of Training. Two long years of creating new programs, honing our skills, improving our techniques, lots of blood, sweat, and many, many tears later we are proud of what we have created and continue to create daily with our veterans and dogs.  I am still a college student, I am still planning on working with veterans with PTSD and TBI, but now I know I can forever incorporate dogs with my career!  I also know that I am forever changed by my experiences with Stiggy’s Dogs;  I am humbled and inspired daily by my guys (I lovingly refer to all our veterans as ‘my guys’), our dogs, and Jennifer.  I am honored to be a part of such an incredible organization that has always been selfless when it comes to the needs of others.

Don’t forget to vote for Stiggy’s Dogs in the Home Depot Foundation Aprons in Action contest this month. Vote everyday in May!

https://apps.facebook.com/apronsinaction/